Groups Oppose Entergy Bid for Secrecy
CONTACT:
CLF - Sandra Levine, 802-223-5992 x.13, slevine@clf.org
NEC – Attorney Jared Margolis, 802-310-4054, jaredmargolis@hotmail.com
VPIRG – James Moore, 802-223-5221 x.4077, jmoore@vpirg.org
APRIL 1, 2010–New England Coalition, Vermont Public Interest Research Group and Conservation Law Foundation jointly seek full public disclosure of Entergy’s internal investigation of leaks at the Vermont Yankee nuclear facility. In papers filed today with the Vermont Public Service Board, the groups opposed Entergy’s request to keep unidentified portions of its investigation secret.
In the Opposition , CLF Attorney Sandra Levine wrote,
Entergy’s request proposes to keep out of public view everything in its investigation report “that is not directly related to the issue of underground piping that carries radionuclides at the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station.” (Entergy’s requested Protective Order 3/23/10). Based on Entergy’s request, one cannot know in advance what is excluded from disclosure…
Entergy should not be able to circumvent regulatory and public oversight by hiding behind a broad and unsubstantiated claim of privilege. Entergy states in the first sentence of its request that the firm of Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP was retained to investigate statements about underground piping. (Entergy’s Motion for Protective Order at 1). Based on this representation, the whole report should be “directly related” to the issue of piping and should be disclosed.
Representing NEC, Attorney Jared Margolis, , commented “it is troubling that Entergy has sought to keep the results if this investigation from the public without providing an adequate basis for asserting the attorney-client privilege.
James Moore, representing VPIRG adds, “It is long past time to end the secrecy at Vermont Yankee. The investigation is not independent, but should be public.”
“Entergy should not hide behind legal maneuvers to keep information secret”, said CLF Attorney Sandra Levine. “Entergy announced a new era of openness and transparency, and needs to live up to its promise by making public the full results of its investigation.”
The Conservation Law Foundation (www.clf.org) works to solve the most significant environmental challenges facing New England. CLF’s advocates use law, economics and science to create innovative strategies to conserve natural resources, protect public health and promote vital communities in our region. Founded, in 1966, CLF is a nonprofit, member-supported organization with offices in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.
